News and Helpful Articles

Buying or selling property in New Zealand? The Sale and Purchase Agreement sets out the terms of your deal and is legally binding once unconditional. This plain-English guide explains key clauses, common conditions, and why getting legal advice early can save you stress and money.

Before we start legal work for our clients, we are required to carry out Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (“AML and CFT”) checks. We understand this can seem like an unnecessary and invasive step in engaging a lawyer. So why do we do this? Law firms are now required to complete these checks because they are significant targets for criminals to try to launder money through for the funding of terrorism and other illegal activities. How do we do this?

Before settlement, do a thorough inspection and checklist: test lights, doors and locks, taps and hot water, vents, drainage and fencing. Check all chattels listed in the agreement are present and working. Confirm any agreed repairs are completed, and clear belongings or rubbish before settlement to avoid issues later.

We are in the middle of a construction boom, there are many new subdivisions being opened up and, well, as a rural land owner you often have quite extensive boundaries. Fencing them can be expensive. What are the actual legal requirements for a fence? Who contributes? Generally, if you want to build a fence on a common boundary with your neighbour, or upgrade an existing one, you can expect the neighbour to go halves on the bill for an "adequate" fence. That is, one that is

Buying your first home? No idea where to start? Sometimes we wish there was a hand to hold, or a map to read to get to our final destination- in this instance- the relief and satisfaction of having moved all your belongings into your very own home. We are here to help make that journey as smooth as possible (without physically holding your hand, sorry). Your first step is a financial process, working out what is going to be affordable for you. Talking to a mortgage broker

Buying a home is often the biggest financial commitment many people will make. With Auckland property prices remaining high, first home buyers are increasingly turning to alternative ways to get onto the property ladder—such as buying with friends or relying on a family guarantor. Buying Property with Friends or Family One common option is to purchase property jointly with friends or family. In these cases, co-buyers are typically registered as tenants-in-common , either in e

When purchasing a property, it’s advised a purchaser obtains a Land Information Memorandum Report (also known as a LIM Report). A LIM Report can be obtained from the local authority for a fee, and contains valuable information about the property such as soil contamination, plumbing, drainage, consents, licences, permits, rates, and zoning. When a property is being sold at auction, the real estate agent will often obtain a LIM Report and make it available to potential buyers.

Auctions are becoming an increasingly popular way to buy property. However, purchasing at auction is different from traditional methods, and buyers need to be well prepared. What You Need to Know About Buying at Auction Property sales by auction are unconditional . Once the hammer falls and the agreement is signed, both buyer and seller are legally bound to complete the purchase. Important Steps Before the Auction Buyers should conduct thorough due diligence before bidding, i